50 Best Cafes near Albany

“I’ve only had their smoothies and tasted the ice cream . It’s pretty good haven’t been disappointed . Thai tea ice cream is fire 🔥 . They do close early , earlier than their posted hours though sometimes a half hour early so best to arrive over an hour before they close . I haven’t tried their banh mi but they do seem pricey at nearly 18 dollars each!“

“Delicious food and awesome service 😊“

“Eunice Gourmet Café is a hidden gem! The coffee was amazing. I tried The Ash sandwich and was completely blown away fresh ingredients, perfect flavors, and honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’m more than willing to drive the extra distance just to have it again!

The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. If you’re looking for amazing food and a warm, inviting atmosphere, don’t miss out on Eunice Gourmet Café. Highly recommend!!“

“This is my new favorite spot for sandwiches! Meat eaters AND vegetarians, rejoice! This place makes the best vegetarian sandwiches I've ever had. I love the rotating seasonal menu with fresh ingredients, and I appreciate the friendly and quick service. I'm a weekly regular now. Can't wait to try more things on the menu. Thank you, Kitchenette, for the creative and absolutely delicious eats.“

“While we were remodeling our kitchen we went to joes maybe 3-5 days each week! We love this place. Great lattes, my kids love the milkshakes/ice cream and we all really appreciate the fresh Acme bread you can pick up from here! Thanks Joes!“

“This is the only coffee shop in Albany that’s open before 8am. For that reason, I really appreciate them and will come back. Don’t expect a craft latte here , however. The milk is over frothed, temperature brought up too high, and there’s simply too many choices on the menu for anything to be perfected here. However, for a quick coffee before an early morning job this place hits the spot. The service was friendly and they opened right on time. A great little neighborhood coffee spot.“

“Great facility and staff for hands-on culinary skills learning.“

“Amazing burritos. Bomb.com“

“Chicken and waffles ? ? on point as always. I think I’ll try dinner next time.“

“I absolutely adore Lydia and Joe—they’re so warm and welcoming, always fun to chat with, and their food is DELISH 😍 I can’t get enough of the chicken curry and udon soup (add dumplings + all the toppings). Astonished that you can still have a full lunch near FiDi for $7, and it’s what I crave over any of my other favorites where lunch will run you $18++. Flavor per dollar cannot be beat anywhere else in SF.“

“One65 was an amazing discovery on our trip to San Francisco. Having spent the first half of our life in Montréal, Québec, Canada where it was hard to find a bad restaurant, we were absolutely amazed by this Bistro which looks more like a high end dining experience. The menu online & the photos attracted us to this location but we were amazed by the well timed service, the crisp white tablecloths, the table setting and the pleasant and calm atmosphere. My choices of charcuterie platter was perfectly sized; the chicken & the pork rillettes where a wonderful surprise. My husband had an onion tart with the crust as perfect as they get & which I envied. He loved his halibut, moist and tender and I raved over my grilled half lobster, so tender that I found myself munching on the shell parts as well. My bread pudding was not of overwhelming size & perfectly flavored. Don chose the Affogato (scoop of vanilla gelato « drowned » with a shot of hot espresso). We wanted to go back today but they are closed on Sundays.?“

“Please don’t make stupid lines in other places maybe indicated as the “most popular”. The place, the food and the staff are amazing! Don’t waste your money, please try the Brazilian magic. The coffee, the eggs, the flavors are real!“

“Good food, friendly service, and a comfortable space overall. I enjoyed the breakfast sandwich, the cookies, and the hot chai. I'm looking forward to going back again soon. 😊“

“San Francisco’s most hidden gem“

“Five bright stars, Lissa darling!“

“A great place to go work when you have a lot to get done. More outside spots than inside so its better on a sunny day. Its open late which is great. Never issues with the wifi bht limited charging spots.
Drinks are very yummy.
No designated parking so you will have to drive around for a spot.“

“اكل حلال اسعار في متناول اليد تعامل قمة في الذوق“

“forgot to take pics of the café itself but most of the café seating is out in the spacious patio that they with a couple of seating inside on the second floor (around 6 tables). We came on a weekday and was able to grab a seat without any issues but I heard they get pretty packed on the weekends so come early! keep in mind they don’t have WiFi so enjoy having ur conversations :)

we saw the broccoli grilled cheese on the menu without knowing that there would be kimchi in it and what a pleasant surprise this was- the baked broccolini paired so well with the slight acidity of the kimchi and the melted cheese was a cherry on top!“

“Small breakfast spot with great food at a really good price and it is open on Sundays. We tried three different breakfast places during our stay but this one was the only open on Sunday. Food was great, price very good, just that there is barely any space to sit. So we had a table outside.“

“Good food and excellent service! I highly recommend their coffee drinks. Also, the fresh squeezed OJ is such a treat. I am sure their non-brunch items are good but I am still obsessed with their breakfast items.“

“Local, family owned & operated new coffee shop with delicious coffees - alt milk options available (almond, soy, oat) chai & matcha lattes, tea, pastries and more focusing on the individual experience and quality served in a welcoming and friendly environment. Just hop in Varney Alley off of 3rd near the Shell gas; you won’t be disappointed!“

“Yum! A colleague brought in a selection of pastries from Maison Nico, and everything we tried was delicious. The croissant was especially good, flaky, buttery, and perfectly baked, and the bread was just as impressive. Overall, a great spot for high quality pastries, and definitely one I would go back to.“

“Both hands up for this wonderful coffee place I happened to stumble upon, right outside the skirts of Downtown Berkeley. They're located right on the intersection of MLK and University, right behind the Indian restaurant.

This coffee place is honestly a little bit small, so please proceed with caution at all costs. But it really makes you feel cozy at home. They do have upstairs seating, but rather really limited. It will be full at times, and at times, not at all. It depends on the time that you go.

They have a wide assortment of sweet and savory pastries available as well. I got their ham & cheese scone, as well as their speciality drink, their banana cream iced coffee. I love how balanced their iced coffee is with the banana cream, which surprisingly, is made with ACTUAL banana puree made from actual bananas.

The barista who made my drink was very nice and very chill, and served it rather quick. That's what's up!

If you're looking for a locally-owned coffee shop right here in Berkeley, look no further than Bench Coffee! Trust me, it will be a trip worth it :)“

“wonderful owners. good concept.“

“I do love the breakfast here. The polenta with greens is my standard order. The green shakshuka really is greener than you were expecting. If you come as a party you can sample the various different kinds of hummus. Haven't been disappointed by anything on the menu.“

“Cafe de Olla is an attractive, warm and friendly restaurant. The food and drink are delicious. I love their fermented pineapple juice and Tlayudas. Check it out!“

“Gran Milan is THE place to get the most delicious foods on the planet!!! I recently ordered mini sfogliatelles, cannolis, (3) meter long pizzas n wonder focaccia bread to make sandwiches and their famous olive bread sticks!!! Thanks for the beautiful foods and service!!! I highly recommend Rufo’s place for your next catering! I haven’t seen sfogliatelles outside of NY!!! Love this place!!“

“The best place ever. Love them ❤️ 💕“

“Great gem of a spot for a quick bite and nice ambience. Enough space to sit and work
With fast wifi.

Have some good healthy foods and more hearty foods. I had the vegetable sandwich which was good. Coffee was nice and not super acidic which is what I prefer.

Servers were bubbly and nice!“

“Exceptionally helpful & friendly staff cooking superb food in a very chill environment. A must visit in the city.“

“Best coffee ☕️ and the best service“

“I have been here a few times now. Great food, great service, combined with a modest price. Get there for the early bird and the deals are even better. I have enjoyed their breakfast multiple times. It’s got that charm that I absolutely love when walking into a breakfast/lunch restaurant. Lots of locals eat here, and the television screens run a montage of pictures of all the great parties and festivities that occurs in the Castro. Great place to eat and start your day!“

“A real deal hidden gem!

I have been coming here for years and it has never disappointed in any way. Great tasting food, with high quality ingredients made with care, incredible friendly service, and very reasonable prices that can't be found in this part of the city at this quality level.

It may seem hard to find at first, but don't give up--this a treasure worth the effort and you'll be happy you did.“

“It's a wonderful place. I didn't like the dish that I ordered, but the chef came out and asked who was the taste of my dish and I told her I didn't like, and she offered to me another dish, she brought me a vegetarian dish, 😅 It was so delicious. I love it, ❤ great place.“

“​This was my second time dining here, and it completely solidified this restaurant as one of my absolute favorites. I would easily eat here every single week if I lived closer!
​During this visit, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the owner. She is incredibly smart, passionate, and empathetic, and it truly shows in every aspect of the restaurant. I love the way she pours her love for her hometown into the menu and remains unapologetically authentic to her roots.
​That dedication translates perfectly into the food—every dish feels personal, deeply flavorful, and genuinely authentic. It is rare to find a place that hits the perfect balance of amazing hospitality and outstanding, uncompromising regional flavors.
​If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is a true gem!“

“A wonderful vibe here with good energy from both the staff and patrons. The atmosphere is exceptional, with beautiful art, plush comfy seating options and a really terrific community bulletin board with so much of the best kinds of offerings and requests from the Oakland community. I always spend a while perusing it, just for the joy it gives me.“

“One of the cutest little cafes across from my hotel. Very nice staff. I love how they welcome you in and offer suggestions. They’re kind, smiling and it makes me feel welcome. I got the egg and cheese with avocado on a croissant. Coffee and a chocolate muffin. Everything was delicious! I’m so happy I tried them and they’re def my go-to for the remainder of my stay.“

“5stars means it's genuinely the best I've had
These people make terrific breakfast burritos. I recommend the El Sancho. Chorizo and black beans. The flavor balance is perfect. The heat level is perfect. Herbs and pepper in the sausage and the beans all come through beautifully, balanced by the crema, and topped off with crunchy tater tots. It's a great burrito. Just be warned, if you go there anywhere near peak brunch time, expect to wait 30+ minutes for your burrito. That's just the reality for any best-in-class food in San Francisco these days.“

“Great little find while touring the city! Had to stop by three times in two days. Fantastic sandwich’s and great pastries.“

“Highly recommend Best coffee in San Francisco ☕️“

“Man, I’ve been addicted to this pistachio latte since my first sip. The first one I had was iced with the sweet foam on top next level. The second time I got it hot, and somehow it was just as good. Seriously, you can’t go wrong either way.

You guys have to check this place out. The best part is you’re supporting a local business, and the owner is an awesome dude who’s almost always there. It’s clear he genuinely cares about the shop and his customers.

Amazing coffee, great people, and a spot that’s definitely worth supporting!“

“Petit Cafe is a hidden gem! The warm ambiance, delightful pastries, and rich coffee make it the perfect spot to unwind. The staff are friendly, and every visit feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle. Highly recommend!“

“The matcha here is so wonderfully prepared—it’s strong without being overpowering. I get the matcha latte with matcha foam and I recommend getting 25% sweetness. The staff is always so kind and attentive as well! 10/10 recommend.“

“Such a great find! I forgot my wallet in my car and they accepted Apple Pay so that’s a nice bonus. Just a little hole in the wall spot located in an office building so there’s not much seating,but that’s totally fine since the food is all take and go. It’s the kind of spot my father taught me to keep an eye out for, because they always have the best food, and this place did not disappoint. The service was great and very helpful with recommendations. I ordered a chicken and chimichurri sandwich that was delicious, the owner suggested some chipotle to add spice and that was great. Generously portioned, and at 15$ was very reasonably priced! Great food, great vibe from the owner, definitely going back.“

“massive sandwich with a big pile of salad on the side!!! the heat came out warm & tangy with a good kick to it but not so spicy that it was uncomfortable to eat. portions were big enough that i could have shared my meal with another person.
i also got a cup of famously stretchy booza, which seems to be very hard to find in the bay area. they have a couple of flavours but i went with mastic which had subtle floral taste. you can add toppings like petals, pistachios, & kadayif- i got everything but the kadayif was stale unfortunately.
the guy who took my order was also a little unfriendly & it almost felt like i was inconveniencing him for ordering. anyways this is a cool place for either a sweet treat or a meal. definitely will be back to try some of their drinks & the knafeh…“

“This place saved me & my two friends on our 11 pm post-concert food hunt. Got the Shawarma Arabic, Chicken Gyro, and Beef Shawarma plate. It was a 6/5 for all of us. Served with tzatziki and red chili flake oil + 2 banana peppers.... super flavorful, affordable, chill staff. Beyond worth it. Some cool Egyptian decorations. Only downside is sparse seating close to the door, but that's the norm for east bay. first eats in oakland!! loved it!“

“Very nice and cute little Ethiopian cafe. I definitely need to bring a friend or two with me to do the coffee ceremony!!! But from what I experienced with the veggie plate, pretty good run of the mill Ethiopian food. Lots of people hanging out and having a sip of coffee or other drinks.“

“Amazing service and amazing ambiance. The rolls are HUGE and delicious. They are also beautiful and vibrantly colored with the different types of rice wraps. The atmosphere is something straight out of a lo-fi music video…“

“Great little shop, closest thing I’ve had to a NYC bodega sandwich since movie west. Fantastic smoothies, bacon egg and cheese sandwiches, and coffee. Prices are far more reasonable than most places within the bay and the staff are awesome“

“if you aren't at JBs at least once a week, what are you even doing with your life? 😂😂😂 atmosphere, service, food....all AWESOME!!!“